Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy can help reduce rates of asthma and wheezing in children compared to standard prenatal multivitamins, according to a study.
Vitamin D deficiency linked to childhood asthma and wheezing
Vitamin D is a nutrient from sunlight exposure, diet, or supplements. It is commonly considered essential to bone health but also has a role in autoimmune and other illnesses. Based on a review of studies since 2016, the study links vitamin D deficiency to childhood asthma and wheezing, a major cause of illness in young children. About 40 per cent of kids report daily wheezing at age three. By age 6, 20 per cent are diagnosed with asthma.
"Vitamin D deficiency is very common, especially in pregnant women who are not taking supplements," said Scott T Weiss from Brigham Women's Hospital and professor at Harvard Medical School. "Based on our findings, we would recommend that all pregnant women consider a daily intake of at least 4400 IU vitamin D3 throughout their pregnancy, starting at the time of conception," he added.
Experts recommend follow-up clinical trial
The latest review paper, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, summarises previous studies and genetic findings that further strengthen the possibility of a causal relationship between vitamin D and asthma and suggests several considerations for planning a follow-up study.
"We recommend that a follow-up clinical trial should start as early as possible in pregnancy and supplement with 6000 IU vitamin D and seek a very high enrollment of women of colour," said Weiss. "Such trials could deepen our understanding of the potential impact of vitamin D on pregnancy outcomes and early-life asthma."
